Category Archives: Indie

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Fí ‘Call Me Out’

Photo credit : Ciaran O’Brien.

Fí has released her new single ‘Call Me Out’. Fí is a Dublin based electro-pop artist hailing from Mullingar. She’s a self taught musician who started writing after buying her first guitar in college and has spent the last few years crafting songs from her bedroom. Her second single, ‘Feel Better’ was released to rapturous reviews and radio play and Fí has been honing her skills collaborating, writing and working with different producers in London,Dublin and LA. Fí was selected as a shortlist for ‘Play The Picnic’ by RTE2FM in June 2018. She has done many festivals and acoustic gigs playing Electric Picnic, Vantastival and supporting acts like The Academic and Aine Cahill.

‘Call Me Out’  is a tropical swirl of luscious pop as Fí fleshes out her vibrant and charming musicianship. Wispy electronics whirl around creating an ethereal magical atmosphere while the infectious beat and fruity tropical sounds create a summer sunshine number to brighten any day. Fí’s warm expressive vocals coat the track in cosy tones while the bitter/sweet melody creates that sublime catchy hook. It’s a confident powerful track doused in fun energetic tones and energising electronics.

About the track Fí says  “It’s a straightforward confrontational song about calling out someone who tries to come back in your life. It’s all about female assertion and confidence. “ 

Stream ‘Call Me Out’  below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Ruborg ‘In It For The Long Haul’ Album

Swedish singer/songwriter Ruborg has released his new album ‘In It For The Long Haul’. This is his first project for 2019, preceded by the promotional singles ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’, released in July and August respectively.

‘In It For The Long Haul’ finely blends tender acoustic ballads and blues rock with Ruborg’s passionate musicianship  to create a wholesome and warm album. ‘Glory Of The Wild Days’ kicks the album into motion with vibrant light guitar, stomping beat and a nostalgic wild melody that is sure to put a smile on your face. ‘Damaged Goods’ is a gritty, adrenaline-pumped track as slicing jagged guitar lacerates through the stomping rhythm while Ruborg swaggers through this slick rock number.  With delicate acoustic guitar gracing and driving tracks like ‘ Traces’  Ruborg creates soft and emotional scenes to sway to as his rich deep vocals caress the tender melodies. The album shifts seamlessly into meatier blues rock with tracks like ‘Road To Exile’  and ‘On The Breadline’  where the punchy drums fill out the backdrop while the guitars flurry through steamy riffs and light mellow jingles in tracks like ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’. There isn’t a shortage of powerful classic rock choruses however ‘Black Dog Calls‘ displays Ruborgs’s versatility perfectly as it  broods to start before belting into a mighty chorus filled with passion and oomph. An enjoyable album from start to finish.

Stream ‘In It For The Long Haul’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Slouch ‘Duplicity’

Glasgow Band Slouch follow up their early 2019 release, ‘In Your Mind’, with brand new single ‘Duplicity’. The single was recorded in summer 2019 in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. This year has so far seen them included in Fred Perry Subculture’s ‘Big in 2019’ playlist curated by This Feeling, play some of Glasgow’s most famous venues including King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Stereo and Nice N Sleazy and play their first shows outside of their hometown.

‘Duplicity’ is an effervescent glistening delight as Slouch meticulously blend punchy indie rock with ethereal shimmering synths and sublime pop sensibilities. With chiming guitars sparkling through the dynamic euphoric soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo, ‘Duplicity’ has everything to have you singing along and dancing. The melty melody drifts elegantly under the warm vocals as the track builds to its anthemic chorus. With a zesty guitar solo and crisp electronics Slouch have created a hazy dreamy number filled with sublime bubbling instrumentation.

‘Duplicity’ will be celebrated with a gig in Broadcast Glasgow hosted by This Feeling on the 27th September.

Stream ‘Duplicity’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

SPRINTS ‘The Cheek’

Dublin’s upcoming alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their sophomore single ‘The Cheek’. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, SPRINTS released their debut single ‘Pathetic’ in April to rave reviews, receiving both national and international press coverage. The song was playlist on Irish radio as well as featured in the ‘An Alternative Eire’ official Spotify playlist. 

‘The Cheek’  is a brisk raw blast of SPRINTS punk-whacked alternative rock. With gritty guitar cutting through the jagged tense soundscape the verses crash in ready to rumble. The driving bass travels at floor shaking relentless stamina while Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals add sarcasm and fire into the track. It’s catchy with a manic ferocious chorus that is sure to be epic live. With pummeling drums and a blistering raucous wall of sound ‘The Cheek’ is one frenzied anthem and another smasher from SPRINTS.

About the track the band say : “Whether they think they own the place, or think they own you, we are all too familiar with those dickheads at the bar.  Male or female, I know a lot of friends have shared the same experience. To have your sexuality, or your worth questioned, to be berated or harassed for turning someone so ‘impeccable’ down, is an unfortunately too regular occurrence.”

SPRINTS will celebrate the track’s launch on Saturday September 28th with a show in Bello Bar.

Stream ‘The Cheek’ below 

Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

PAGES. ‘Bubble Brain’

PAGES. have released their new single ‘Bubble Brain’. PAGES. are an indie-pop band from the North-East of Scotland. They have performed a 4-date national headline tour and multiple headline shows in their hometown of Aberdeen. Their new single, ‘Bubble Brain’, achieved national airplay on BBC Radio Scotland and has been mixed/mastered by U.S.producer, Rob Murray (Mark Ronson, Britney Spears, Major Lazer). 

‘Bubble Brain’ is a smooth hazy indie pop gem that floats delicately upon PAGES. infectious musicianship. With elegant keys creating an ethereal backdrop between the sticky gloopy beat – the track glides effortlessly through a dreamy groove driven soundscape. The zesty guitar injections add a dash of vibrancy  and refreshing lift to the candied syrupy consuming track as the smooth vocals coo the melty melody. Richly textured and lushly layered this indie pop delight is a laid back jam that is sure to stick in your head for days.

Stream ‘Bubble Brain’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/pagesabz/bubble-brain-release-date-1392019


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Broke Casino ‘Boss’

Broke Casino have released their new single ‘Boss’. Broke Casino are a five piece indie/rock band from Manchester made up of Ralph Schofield, Sam Wilks, Ollie Boon, Sean Savage and Lucas Cook. The band kicked off 2019 with their debut sell out Manchester headline show and a slot at Dot To Dot Festival.

With its strutting soundscapes wrapped in punching indie rock ‘Boss’ boasts Broke Casino’s anthemic and well thought out sound. The band flex their flamboyant muscles with their slinky guitars which glisten and shimmer with luminous scintillation capturing sparkles of light as they stride and majestically soar through the buoyant backdrop. The track prances in filled with kinetic energy as the rooted bass weaves and bends superbly between the pounding drums to create a beefy and hard hitting foundation for the guitars to flourish off while the warm vocals pack in oodles of passion. Each scorching element creates a superb texture with climatic intensity as the band blend and weave their intricate musicianship to create a disco infused indie rock gem sure to pump adrenaline into your veins and have you dancing in no time.

Stream ‘Boss’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Bugles ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP

The Bugles have released their new EP ‘What A Time To Be Alive’. The Bugles are a funk punk band consisting of Blade brothers; Jack and Tom, Matt Newell, Mohsin Abbas and Siony Williams.

‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP present The Bugles’ jubilantly cheeky sound in all its infectious and juicy glory. These guys write tunes to keep you singing and dancing for days as their explosive vibrant energy and enthusiasm radiates from every track on the EP. The listener is hooked from opening track ‘Give up’ with its instant buoyancy, wiggle-ready bass line and jaunty guitar. There is no shortage of refined guitar lines or sprightly bass and rhythm as the band flesh out their fun sound with each engaging, invigorating tune. Title track ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ encapsulates the vibrancy of this band perfectly from slinky guitar flirtations to the party ready sing along chorus the band lay down the track perfectly to keep you bopping and dancing all the way through. Though the bands songs are fun and playful they showcase refined and sophisticated musicianship and instrumental prowess. ‘Fat Cats’ thrives wonderfully on vibrant and zesty guitar flourishes while the lyrical content adds depth and social commentary to their infectious sun sprinkled sound. There is reggae peppering all over the EP through the bass line and drums while the guitar weaves a tropical, indie blend into the mix creating a glorious refreshing sound. ‘Kings and Queens’ bring us to the end of the EP, slowing the tone as The Bugles try their hand at a ballad- esque slow jam. It’s a slow shuffle to start with a sweet pop sprinkled melody and harmony before the band begin the second verse introducing their signature guitar and jaunty rhythm. 

‘What A Time To Be Alive’ is a flavoursome EP brimming with danceable party tones, rich rhythms and sublime guitar work as The Bugles blend their luscious indie pop with punk elements to create a punchy, thoughtful and enjoyable collection of songs. 

Stream ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Garage-Psych, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Not I ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’

Not I is the project of Dublin based musicians Ian Meagher (drums/vox) and Thomas O’Reilly (guitar/vox). They have released a new music video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, taken from their forthcoming debut album of the same name. The music video, which was directed, produced and shot by Redemption Film’s Niall McCann, Matthew Boyd, and Greg Dunn (the team behind feature films Lost in France, and The Science of Ghosts), sees the band embark on a humorous adventure in (or outside) the realm of Dublin’s bingo scene.

With gritty biting guitars pulsing adrenaline to the very core of ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, Not I craft a wonderful exhilarating whir of alternative rock that ferments and curdles with sublime intensity. The pounding drums progress from a steady background thud to an anarchy calling blitz as the track leads to its massive crescendo. With quirky baritone vocal bursts from moody verses to  falsetto yelps and shouted exclaims, this track exudes character and swagger. It’s dark and smothered in raw instrumentation and the sharp guitars venture from acute strides to crashing frenzy along with the punchy drum progression, With its minimalist approach the band create a wholly invigorating shattering track. With psychedelic dazzling hues and just sheer gritty rawness ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ marks Not I as a band to keep an eye on. This track is sure to be epic live. 

Watch the video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Brand New Friend ‘The Letter A’

After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, Northern Irish five-piece Brand New Friend have released their new single, ‘The Letter A’. They have played shows throughout the UK and Ireland, both headlining and with veterans or peers like Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan – plus a host of festival slots at Reading and Leeds, 2000trees and others.Their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, spawned several singles all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as well as sessions and interviews on the Across The Line show on BBC Ulster.

‘The Letter A’ is a punchy track with a smooth melody wrapped in a biting indie rock soundscape as Brand New Friend blister and swarm through the track with relentless stamina and infectious vigor. With jagged striking guitars slicing through the bouncy bass line and snappy drums this track has an infectious energetic buoyancy that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. The pop smacked melody and 50’s-60’s classic melodic hue gives a sentimental familiarity and charm to the song. The vocals exude confidence with a youthful sense of urgency as the band flesh out their tight and dynamic sound. With an explosive chorus, The Strokes- esque verses, sharp instrumental backdrop and gritty crunchy element presented beautifully on guitars, this adrenaline-inducing number is sure to have you singing along in no time. 

Watch the video for ‘The Letter A’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, Jazz, New Music, Soul

TOYGIRL ‘Reign’

Dublin’s alternative rock band TOYGIRL have released their new single ‘Reign’. The song’s earliest conception came about in April 2018 when British/French frontwomen, Hannah Worrall, was experimenting with bass and string loops on Garageband. The song wasn’t finalised until much later in February of this year (2019) after the collaborative input of Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) and Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar). ‘Reign’ was recorded in Temple Lane Studios with the help of engineers Jack Mulligan and Tadgh Maw. The track was professionally Mixed by Stuart Grey at Jealoustown Studios and Mastered by Billy Farrell at same.

‘Reign’ is a groove driven number that burrows you deep into TOYGIRL’s passionate, crisp sound. Sublime guitar work fleshes out the bands classy, jazz side while the rooted elastic bass weaves warm slinky elements and golden vibes into this refreshing number. With a steady beat and Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals, this track is a mellowed out delight with refined instrumental backing. Each component part steadily grooves and drifts perfectly into place to create a superb track to immerse yourself in.

According to the band “The single is a sarcastic and passive aggressive presentation of the mask we all wear in order to make others happy, and in attempts to convince ourselves of our own happiness. The regal imagery accentuates the idea that with great (self-induced) power comes great responsibility. We all strive for normality to fit in and from that we lose everything that makes us unique.”

TOYGIRL are celebrating the release of their debut single with an Irish and UK tour, withdates in Levis’s of West Cork (Sept 28th), the Roundy Cork city (Sept 29th), Roisin Dubh in Galway (Sept 30th), McHugh’s of Belfast (Oct 2nd) and the Workman’s Club Dublin (Oct 3rd).

Stream ‘Reign’ below 


Author : Danu